A drink-driver was nearly three times the legal alcohol limit when she drove her cat to the vet, Ipswich magistrates heard.

Susan Steward, of Trinity Close, Kesgrave, has now been banned from the road for 20 months after pleading guilty to drink-driving.

The 63-year-old committed the offence at 10am on February 22.

Prosecutor Colette Harper said police were called by a member of the public regarding a VW Polo driving erratically before pulling into Pets At Home in Martlesham.

It had driven from Main Road Kesgrave and had been swerving all over the road.

The VW had also reversed into a sign post.

When police breath tested Steward she had 98 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35mcgs.

Larissa Hutson, representing Steward, said her client had a number of issues.

For the last five years Steward had been suffering badly from anxiety.

She was also isolated as she has no relatives.

The day before the offence Steward had fallen over and had something to drink to calm her nerves.

She fell over again the following day after feeling dizzy and had another drink, again to calm her nerves.

Mrs Hutson said Steward then drove her cat to the vet.

In addition to Steward’s driving ban, magistrates fined her £400. She must also pay £85 costs and £40 to the victims’ fund.